PSS23 Limited Role of Marital Status in the Impact of Dermatological Diseases on Quality of Life

Abstract

Health status, health services utilization, and mortality differ by marital status for both sexes in most conditions, but little is known about dermatological diseases. To evaluate whether marital status is associated with the impact that dermatological diseases have on quality of life (QoL). Data from two surveys on dermatological outpatients were pooled. Marital status, sex, age, and educational level were analysed in relation to QoL (using the scales of the Skindex-29 questionnaire: emotions, symptoms, and functioning) and psychological well-being (using the GHQ-12 questionnaire). We obtained data on 5471 patients (59% females, 46% married). Married patients (both males and females) had lower mean values on the emotions scale and higher mean values in the symptoms scale of the Skindex-29 compared to singles. Statistically significant differences were identified only in men, for the emotions scale and for the GHQ-12. Females had significantly higher mean scores than males on each of the Skindex-29 scales and on the GHQ-12. A multiple logistic regression model including age, gender, and marital status, showed significant results only for gender, with women suffering a more severe impact than men on all scales. No effect was observed for marital status. Married patients had a lower disease impact on the emotions scale even if they suffered a higher impact on the symptoms scale. After multiple adjustments, however, gender seems to be more relevant than marital status in the evaluation of the impact of skin conditions on QoL.